Intrested to here whats happening
Got caught out purchasing a 400 dollar carbon 8 inch paddle on all the hype about increased paddle speed to counter a larger blade
Problem was the 8inch blade just would not displace enough water to push me forward with power and i found it was useless to counter act against over balancing

Why increase paddle speed when you can cruise with half the effort with a bigger blade.

Im 182 cm 110kg stroken into pits and lips ,like cruisen to get there but,

Swaped it over for the next size up 9 inch made all the difference.... sweet

Are there bigger ones out there like 12 inch blades

What are the exact sizes are all manufactures sticking to the same formula for the blade sizes

I have noted the angle of the blade off the shaft seem all the same is there an optiom angle of attack

Hi Mate,

Since I have been getting into racing lately this question has been on my mind and Ive been doing a bit of research which still isnt quite finished but I'll give you my thoughts anyway.

I agree with DJ regarding how the blade size (not forgetting how flexible the shaft is too) will ultimately affect your muscles and joints through fatigue and shock loading. So obviously I wouldnt reccomend going for anything that will cause you discomfort.

To answer your question quickly. If your just surfing and are wanting maximum accelaration to get you into waves and build speed up as quick as possible then a bigger blade will assist you in this as you will get a stronger catch and be able to pull yourself forward alot quicker, assuming good paddle technique. To counteract the force of the shock loading on your shoulders you could try a more flexible shaft to absorb some of this force. Again its one of those things that you will have to experiment with.

Regarding the smaller blade size, I've been experimenting with what I have which is a starboard enduro 550cm2 (85.3in2) and 525cm2 (81.4in2). I also had a 600cm2 (93.0in2) for surfing but found it generated too much force and would turn my 8'2 SUP instead of generating forward momentum... anyway with the racing I've found that my times are definitely slower with the smaller blade (not much over 4km and when paddling 10km plus I can keep a very similar pace but I need some more runs to get some solid data) but on the plus side I can paddle faster and maintain it longer than the bigger blade, where I find myself switching sides alot more due to trying to give my muscles a rest towards the end of a long race. I think for me its going to come down to how long the race is. These paddles are very simmilar with the same type shaft. I think if you had more extreme variations like a 600 blade vs. 400 blade then you could draw some more conclusive results. But that said I personally wouldnt use a 600 for racing and I dont think a 400 would get me anywhere. Im 183cm and about 80kgs.

Thats just my thoughts I would like to hear what other people think as I often wonder is it worth losing the power of a bigger blade for a slightly higher cadence (in the less extreme cases). Even after my testing I think I'll still use my 550 for races just cause its feels faster . Until I get some confident tests results and I'll try to get myu hands on a 475 for extra comparisons. Hope this has given you some useful info.

Cheers,

Bleachy.

Having just gone through this process myself, my experience is try diffrent blade sizes out in the conditions you most wish to use it in. You will very quickly come upon what blade size/shape is right for you.

Like you I was recommended a much smaller paddle blade and to simply increase my cadence. This did not work at all for me in the surf, as my style of surfing involes paddling very hard onto the wave a little early. This method works for me and I wanted a paddle to suit my technique, not have to change it to suit the paddle.

The paddle I now use has a blade area of approx 525 cm2 and is full carbon. I don't get sore shoulders or elbow joints from using it for extended sessions in the surf and it is simply a pleasure to use. I would say I'm average height at 5' 10" and average weight at 90kg and not suprisingly the paddle blade size is right in the middle of their sizing range.

The analogy that you wouldn't use top gear on a pushbike to ride everywhere has some merit, however the ocean is invaribly flat and secondly how often do you see a road train/truck driven by a Corolla engine? You're obviously a big unit and you'll need a considerably larger paddle than someone who weights 75 - 80 kg. Smaller paddles aren't for everyone, go with what feels best for you.

What i find at around 85kg is a smaller blade and a lighter paddle (the fanatic all carbon 8") is perfect for me on my 12'6" race board and a QB Kahana which is a little heavier and larger blade at 8.7" helps with my balance and gets me moving quick off the mark and onto waves on my surf SUP.

Each to his own i reckon.

The real question here is probably more related to paddle technique or the lack of it. I am a self taught paddler with wave sup and 12'6 race boards and have an Epic surf ski. I didn't understand stroke technique when I took up the ski just less than a year ago. I am still coming to terms with it and learning and would like to learn from someone who knows what they are doing. The paddle stroke in all paddle sports is related. The paddle needs to go is forwards, the power needs to be applied in skis in the first 18 inches and it does not go past the hips. The bottom arm is also pretty straight. Don't use your arms for power but your upper body and core strength. Paddling past the waist slows you down, turns the board and wastes energy. On the ski I am starting to increase cadence with less power and it seems that it is easier to maintain speed with less effort.

It is interesting observing good paddlers who can paddle quickly on small boards in a straight line and they follow the same principles.

I am curious about paddle length as I think in the surf the paddles we use may be too long and that may to blame for muscle issues. I am thinking of reducing my surf paddle by 4". Any thoughts on this?

In SoCal, most shops seem to be still pushing 100s and I see a lot of huge blades when I paddle the bay (my hood). I've been trending down is size after realizing I was not very fond of my Shaaka Puu (too much flutter). I ordered a Quickblade Adjustable Kanaha 90 to experiment with length, and bought a Quick Flyweight 83 for surfing 'cause Candice uses one and I heard from the 'boss' even Jimmy likes paddling with it. Both are great paddles if you're on the lighter side. Funny thing is, since I mostly flat water paddle and surf longboards, I prefer the smaller blade +9 over Flyweight even on my 12'6" Fanatic. I would not race or ocean paddle with it, but it's so light at 16 ozs and the narrower shaft is much nicer then the standard Quick round shaft. That's the one thing I really miss though, the ovalized shaft. I will never buy another paddle without it.